The Phoenix Suns made the decision that most thought they would by bringing back center Mark Williams on a three-year, $38 million extension to complete their offseason business.
The only surprising aspect of the announcement the fact that his contract is fully guaranteed, despite the well documented injury issues which have derailed his career to this point.
Williams will have to choose new jersey number to wear in The Valley
You might remember that on Father's Day the Suns released a video with Devin Booker and his father Melvin, with the franchise cornerstone changing from his number one to 15 to honor his father.
New look Book.
— Phoenix Suns (@Suns) June 21, 2026
🗓️ Jerseys available on July 15 pic.twitter.com/dnSEfv93IC
Great as that is for Booker and his family, it does mean that Williams will have to choose a new number for 2026-27. This may seem insignificant and there's no doubt Booker would have checked this with his teammate before making the change, but certain players can be funny about this kind of thing.
Williams did wear the number five when he was in Charlotte, but he can't revert back to that number as the Suns have retired that for Dick Van Arsdale. Taking 15 in the first place was likely a result of this.
The next three seasons figure to be pivotal in the career of Booker in The Valley, and at this point it appears more likely Williams will be traded rather than be along for the ride long-term. Picking his next number has no impact on that, but it would be funny if he became an important part of a contender here and his next number had significance in Phoenix.
Williams unfortunately cannot do the funny thing here and pick jersey 22, as that is currently occupied by CJ Huntley. He may be on a two-way contract and so won't be seen with the Suns all that often, but that was the number that once belonged to Deandre Ayton.
The former first overall pick is not missed in The Valley, and having a dominant center who actually wants to do all of the dirty work involved in playing the position properly don that jersey would be the final nail in Ayton's legacy with the franchise.
The fact we have not even hit July and one of the biggest remaining pieces of business for this group is what number Williams will wear is all the proof we need that the front office meant it when they said they were going to run it back. Same roster, slightly different numbers.
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